Digital Health Interventions for Adult Patients With Cancer Evaluated in Randomized Controlled Trials: Scoping Review

Area of Science:

• Digital Health
• Oncology
• Health Services Research

Background:

• Digital care is integral to modern healthcare.
• Digital health interventions for cancer patients must be safe and effective.
• Evaluating these interventions through randomized controlled trials (RCTs) is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify digital health interventions for adult cancer patients evaluated in RCTs.
• To analyze the types, functions, and outcomes of these interventions.

Main Methods:

• A scoping review following JBI methodology was performed.
• Searched multiple databases (PubMed, CINAHL, Embase, etc.) for RCT effectiveness studies.
• Extracted and analyzed data on participants, intervention characteristics, and outcomes.

Main Results:

• 231 RCTs were reviewed; most interventions were web-based and used at home.
• Interventions with self-management and multiple functions, or targeting cognitive function and fear of recurrence, showed positive outcomes.
• Effectiveness varied by intervention type and function for outcomes like anxiety, depression, and quality of life.
• Few interventions targeted older adults or those with advanced cancer.

Conclusions:

• Digital health interventions in cancer care are diverse and show promise, especially web-based modalities.
• Systematic reviews are recommended to guide clinical integration of these interventions.
• Future research should address identified gaps, particularly for underrepresented patient groups.